Celebration honours Leighton Ronson’s achievements

Great-granddaughter Emma Elliott looks up to Leighton Ronson at a celebration co-hosted by the Tillsonburg Legion and King Hiram Lodge. (Jeff Helsdon photo)

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

As he turned 100, a surprise celebration for Tillsonburg resident Leighton Ronson honoured his achievements within the Legion and the Masons.

The celebration was held on Dec. 18, co-hosted by the Legion and King Hiram Lodge, days before Ronson turned 100 on Dec. 30. Some members of Ronson’s family joined him for the event.

Rev. Paul Robinson, who presented certificates on behalf of Oxford MPP Ernie Hardeman and Premier Doug Ford, related Ronson told him a week or two earlier, “I don’t want any fuss.”

Ronson’s ancestors were one of the founding families of Tillsonburg, alongside the Tillsons. Leighton grew up on Broadway, then worked for Bell Canada after the war. He enlisted with the military when he was 18.

Legion president Tom Brown paid tribute to Ronson’s service with the Royal Canadian Signal Corps in Canada and Europe during the Second World War. Ronson joined the Legion in 1970 and was president of the local branch in 1984-1985.

After returning from the war, Ronson joined the King Hiram Masonic Lodge in 1947.

District Deputy Grand Master Scott Gillies provided background about Ronson, before presenting him with a 75-year Mason pin.

“After witnessing the horrors of war, he looked for solace,” Gillies said. “Leighton found it in free masonry.”

Gillies said Ronson was an example to other members.

“Leighton, you embody all that is good about Canadian society, a willingness to do what is right,” he said.

King Hiram Masonic Lodge Master John Danbrook said few lodges have reached the milestone of having a 78-year-member, and noted Ronson’s has inspired younger members.

“Leighton has been a Mason longer than many of us have been alive,” he said. “Through changing times, changing communities, and changing generations, he has remained constant an example of steadiness, fidelity, and brotherly love.”

Ronson was surprised and humbled with the celebration by the Legion and the Masons. He has seen many changes in the Legion over the years, “All for the better,” he noted.

“I’m proud of the Legion and the way they look after veterans or anyone who needs help.”